Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder Review
We've aggregated 14 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.

Our editorial take on the Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder
The Zoom H8 is a portable field recorder designed for versatility, offering dedicated modes for podcasting, music production, and location recording. Its core functionality includes up to eight simultaneous input signals, expandable to ten with an optional capsule, catering to diverse recording needs. The device features a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen for navigation and supports various SD card formats up to 512GB.
Key capabilities include four XLR mic inputs with phantom power, two additional XLR/TRS combo inputs, and a swappable XY stereo microphone capsule. Beyond standalone recording, the H8 can function as a 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Power options include four AA batteries, providing over 20 hours of operation, or an optional AC adapter.
This configuration positions the H8 as a flexible tool for creators requiring multiple inputs and adaptable recording environments, from studio-like setups to on-the-go field capture.
- Three-mode interface optimized for podcasting, music, or field recording
- Up to 10 input channels with optional capsule, including 6 combo XLR inputs standard
- Functions as a 12-in/2-out USB audio interface
- Long battery life (over 20 hours) on AA batteries
- Support for large capacity SDXC cards (up to 512GB)
- AD-17 AC adapter sold separately
- Maximum input channels of 10 require an additional purchase (EXH-8 capsule)
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La nueva ZOOM H8 es una bestia, lo digo en serio. No solo cuenta con una increíble cantidad de entradas de audio sino que también es modular, ampliable, tiene control táctil incorporado, puede actuar como una interfaz de audio digital para tu computadora portátil, y la lista continúa…
This article is an archive of Engadget posts from June 2015 and does not contain a review of the Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder. There is no information about the product itself in the provided text.
Sporting a similar design to the TASCAM model above, the Zoom H8 is perhaps an even easier-to-use portable recorder with a comparable set of features and functions.
Zoom has introduced the new H8 Handy Recorder. The H8 builds upon the H5 & H6 models, with more inputs, a new module system and new specifically designed interfaces for different situations.
This forum thread discusses what makes a good portable audio recorder, focusing on factors like sound quality, ease of use, and mic flexibility, ultimately questioning if the Zoom H1 is the best option available.
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About this product
The Zoom H8 is a portable handheld recorder that features three app-driven modes for podcasting, music production, or location recording. It can record up to eight simultaneous input signals and is compatible with an array of capsules for easy expansion into 10-input recording and Ambisonics 360-degree audio. The device also functions as a 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface.
Specs
- Screen
- 2.4" color LCD touchscreen
- Max Tracks
- 12
- Battery Life
- Over 20 hours (alkaline batteries)
- Power Source
- 4x AA batteries or AD-17 AC adapter (available separately)
- Xlr Mic Inputs
- 4 with pads and +48V
- Audio Interface
- 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz)
- Sd Card Support
- SD (up to 2GB), SDHC (up to 32GB), SDXC (up to 512GB)
- Max Input Channels
- 10 (with EXH-8 capsule)
- Recording Resolution
- 24-bit / 96 kHz
- Xlr 1 4 Mic Line Hi Z Inputs
- 2
- Swappable Xy Stereo Mic Capsule
- Yes
- Podcast Music Field Recording Modes
- Yes
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